Geography details
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Paralam is one of the rice bowls of Thrissur district. Before Paralam took shape as a panchayat, there existed an administrative system called Kodannur Panchayat. It comprised the villages of Palissery, Vengingissery, and Kodannur. Stone inscriptions bearing the name "Kodannur Panchayat" can still be seen in certain parts of the panchayat today. It is also said that Chevvoor Panchayat, comprising Chevvoor, Paralam, and Pallippuram villages, existed during that time. It is believed that Paralam Panchayat was formed in 1926 by the then-administrators of Thrissur Taluk in the former Kingdom of Cochin. Currently, four villages—Paralam, Pallippuram, Kodannur, and Vengingissery—are included in this panchayat.
In those days, there was no adult franchise or democratic system like today; members and presidents were typically nominated. Agriculture, traditional occupations, and cottage industries were the people's livelihood. Most of the land consisted of single-crop fields. Coconut, areca nut, cashew, pepper, planting materials, and betel vines were the main agricultural crops. Ancients engaged in handicrafts such as fishing, nut cutting, basket weaving, mat weaving, firework making, coir spinning, and stone polishing. Agricultural produce was transported to distant markets on foot, using shoulder poles, or in bullock carts. Heavy cargo boats were an integral part of this trade and commercial sector. Cargo boats carrying groceries from Cochin to the Kokkalai Vanchikulam were a common sight.
There is a fascinating man-made structure called Ayyunnu (five hills), steeped in myth, that still exists today. The story goes that the elder of the Ayyunnu Variyam—said to be the owner of these hills—devised a special system to supply water to his grazing cattle. A deep tail-well was dug at the top of the hill, followed by six square wells dug in a row at intervals of 20 kols (a traditional unit of length). Tunnels were constructed to allow water to flow from the main well to the square wells, directing it into a large granite trough naturally formed at the base of the hill to provide drinking water for cows.
During the heroic struggle against British imperialism, many young people joined the Indian National Congress. Many who were active in the national movement later transitioned to the Socialist camp and Communist movements through the farmers' movement. The historic Ayyunnu valleys were famous hideouts. Numerous state and district political leaders with bounties on their heads stayed in these hideouts to lead revolutionary activities. Protests erupted against feudalism, demanding land rights, fair wages, and extra allowances (pathambu) for agricultural laborers. The Mananchery Kaappu agitation stands out as a glorious milestone in the history of the revolutionary movement.
Paralam Panchayat is surrounded on three sides by wetland fields (kayal nilam). The southern, western, and northern parts of the panchayat consist of Cole lands. This panchayat was known as one of the major rice bowls of Thrissur district. In terms of Kerala's agro-climatic zones, Paralam Panchayat falls under the arid zone of the Cole region. An eco-friendly farming method has been practiced here since ancient times. The lush green beauty of this village—teeming with large trees like paddy, coconut, areca nut, banana, pepper, cashew, jackfruit, and mango, alongside intercrops of vegetables and betel vines—is beyond description.
The agricultural sector of this panchayat suffered immense damage during the severe storm of Kollam Era 1116. In the past, traditional seed varieties and conventional practices were followed in paddy cultivation. Traditional water wheels (chakram), rope buckets (kayattukotta), and basket scoops (kottathekku) were used for irrigation and drainage, while fields were plowed using cattle.
The government school started at Ammadam in the early days was the first educational center in the panchayat. For high school education, people depended on Cherpu. Before the establishment of the Puttarakkal Bridge, higher education facilities for students were complex and difficult. This issue was resolved with the start of Ammadam St. Antony's High School, which is the only high school in the panchayat to have celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
The growth of the national movement and the activities of renaissance organizations breathed new life into social and political movements. Following the formation of the Thirukkochi state, local committees were organized. Panchayat courts and panchayat governing bodies helped foster a democratic consciousness among rural citizens. Before the birth of Kerala state and the formation of its first popular government, the agricultural sector was controlled by feudal landlords, while the majority of the population were tenants and sharecroppers. Comprehensive reforms in the agricultural sector subsequently boosted the income of the people.
When Avinissery Panchayat was formed in 1978, the Palakkal market, shopping complexes, and industrial units were annexed to Avinissery. After 1983, a major leap in development was achieved, and Paralam Panchayat gained recognition as one of the two model panchayats in Thrissur district. The Pallippuram–Alappad, Kodannur, and Nedupuzha roads connected Paralam Panchayat to other panchayats.
Twelve famous temples, three Christian churches, and one Muslim mosque are located here. A single-stone wall measuring forty feet in length and six feet in height—a marvel of traditional architecture—can still be seen at the Sasthamkadavu Panangutti Shiva Temple.